Coaldale priest’s preaching and humour will be missed

By Lethbridge Herald on July 4, 2025.

Editor:

We have known Fr. Ian Gagne for the past nine-and one-half years since he came to St. Ambrose church in Coaldale, Alberta. We took him and his parents to Chef’s Hat restaurant for dinner when he first arrived and to get to know them better. Lisa, the owner, was generous with her hospitality and didn’t charge us for the meal. We often took him to Ricky’s and other restaurants, and he was delighted.

We found him to be independent when we volunteered to help when he moved to the Rectory on Parkside Drive, although I shoveled his sidewalk since it was winter when he arrived. One evening, on his way to a church meeting, he slipped on the ice in the church parking lot and lay there for hours until he found the strength to stand up and walk away. His cell phone was on the charger, and he could not call anyone for help. 

During the pandemic Bishop Henry was advised by Alberta Health to stop celebrating Masses in church. Afterwards we were able to hold Masses so long as we sanitized the pews before we left the church. 

The Adoration was done through a window of the rectory, and we sat in our cars praying the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy for a few months. After the pandemic Fr. Ian held Adoration every Friday between 7- 8pm for three years; Lydia and I led the songs and responded to the Benediction. 

We asked him to bless our marriage on May 17th and this encouraged us to continue as a celebration.  Also, he blessed Joe and Jovette that they had a baby and were successful after eight years.

Last Saturday morning we attended Mass and at noon about 60 people celebrated Fr. Ian’s Farewell Party as he is being transferred to St. Anthony’s Parish in Drumheller on August 1st. His replacement priest is Fr. Iqbal and we look forward to working with him. 

On Fr. Ian’s 25th Ordination Anniversary his parents were in attendance. Lydia and I had the pleasure to sing our song “Celebrate” as part of the program and everybody liked it. 

We will miss Fr. Ian’s preaching because his sermons were inspirational, and his style was like “Billy Graham”. Lydia and I dedicated our poem “Farewell” to him for old time’s sake.

We will miss Fr. Ian’s humour because he is a laughing priest.

Paul Jones

Coaldale